All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I had never heard of this film, but bought it sight-unseen because of the fine cast, while cruising Amazon. It was summarized as similar in theme to Secondhand Lions, which I found disappointing. I found the first half of this film to be rather boring, as the director couldn't decide whether he was making a madcap corny family comedy, or a film about a youth who gets an education from his grandfather about how to live close to the land. When the film emphasized the relationships between Peter Fonda and his grandson, the excellent Joseph Mazzello, and also Kris Kristofferson, it was interesting, humorous, natural, and involving. When it focused on the law, it was silly, broad, and distracting, except for Keith Carradine, who maintained a modicum of believability. The final 30 minutes rescued the film for me, as it mostly veered away from the unnecessary Keystone Kops stuff, and became truly affecting emotionally. Had the movie emphasized the central story throughout, without the silliness, I would have given it a 9 or 10, and it probably would be better known. Still, it is worth a look, and overall, I preferred it to Secondhand Lions.

The movie was not as good as I hoped. It wasn't bad but it was lacking. The story felt rushed, some of the humor was too obvious (there were scenes that were funny though), and there should have been clearer character development. I think it's a good film for children and older folks. I had hoped there would have been more film of the badlands and it failed to truly show the beauty of the prairie. For an independent low-budget release it was pretty good. At least it didn't make North Dakotans look like backwater hicks ( ala the horrible "Fargo" movie which was not filmed in nor did it take place in the city it was named after!)

I enjoyed this film. It showed how a young city boy grew up and faced life, from being a spoilt brat he turned out to be a man of decisions and courage.The two main men in the film played there parts with feeling and i could belive in them.

I recently had the opportunity to see this film at the FARGO FILM FESTIVAL. As a North Dakotan, I must be proud of any project that promotes North Dakota. WOOLY BOYS definitely does its fair share of "promoting." To be honest, I expected more. For a film that falsely calls itself "North Dakota's first major feature film" I was anticipating a sincere look at Modern North Dakota, or maybe an ernest approach at our history. I did not, however, expect to see yet another film that explores the "golly gee" persona of our elderly and silly folk. (Though these people exist and I love them!)In regards to FARGO (THE MOVIE), some of the same people that support WOOLY BOYS fame, claim the film (FARGO) makes us look like a bunch of "idiots" and "dorks" and "other such silly names"...In WOOLY BOYS, apparently we are epitomized by Scruffy "Sheep Lovers." That's great.Meanwhile, Kristofferson gave a hell of a performance. I was in awe. The film had its funny moments and I was impressed with some of the photography. However, the film did not exemplify what it is to live in North Dakota or what it is to be a North Dakotan. Look for this film on USA (CABLE) Saturday afternoons. Because it is good enough to watch in its entirety, if you're a fan of the named actors. (or some silly manure jokes)